George Russell held off a late charge from Max Verstappen to win the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in a dramatic finish at the Baku City Circuit on Saturday.
Starting from pole position, the Mercedes driver controlled the race for much of the afternoon but saw his advantage reduced by two Safety Car periods. Verstappen, who had started eighth, fought his way through the field and closed rapidly on Russell in the final stages.
Russell eventually crossed the finish line just 0.196 seconds ahead of the Red Bull driver to claim his third victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
“When the yellow flag came out, I had no turbo, so then I had no power. Max almost got me at the line. All in all, an incredible weekend,” Russell said.
Verstappen charges from eighth to second
Verstappen endured a difficult qualifying session and started from eighth on the grid after struggling with his Red Bull during Q3. Russell, meanwhile, had secured pole by a commanding 0.837 seconds over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
The four-time world champion produced a strong recovery during the race, moving through the field and emerging as Russell’s biggest threat in the closing laps.
Despite the pressure, Russell maintained his composure and secured victory in one of the closest finishes of the season.
Hadjar takes podium on racing return
Isack Hadjar completed the podium in third for Red Bull, finishing 10.704 seconds behind Russell.
The result marked an impressive return for Hadjar, who had missed the previous three Grands Prix because of a wrist injury. Red Bull confirmed ahead of the Azerbaijan weekend that the French driver had recovered and was fit to return alongside Verstappen.
Hadjar was also named Driver of the Day after producing a strong performance on his comeback.
“I’m very happy to be on my first proper podium for pure pace,” Hadjar said.
His third-place finish also gave Red Bull its first double podium since 2024.
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Antonelli recovers from 16th to fifth
Mercedes championship leader Kimi Antonelli recovered strongly from a difficult qualifying session to finish fifth.
Antonelli had crashed at Turn 1 during Q1 on Friday, ending his qualifying session early and leaving him 16th on the starting grid.
His fifth-place finish nevertheless limited the damage in the championship standings. Russell’s victory reduced Antonelli’s advantage over his Mercedes teammate from 81 points to 66.
Charles Leclerc finished fourth, while Lewis Hamilton crossed the line sixth for Ferrari.
Russell’s victory also strengthened Mercedes’ position in the constructors’ championship as the Formula 1 season moves into its remaining rounds.
